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The Better Housing by Design project is revising development and design standards in Portland’s multi-dwelling zones (R3, R2, R1 and RH) outside the Central City. The types of housing allowed in these areas include apartment buildings of varying sizes, fourplexes, townhouses and rowhouses.

These medium- to high-density residential zones provide opportunities for new housing to better meet the needs of a growing Portland.

By updating the rules that shape new development of apartments and other higher density residential buildings, we can create more housing options for households of all ages, incomes and sizes. The proposed new rules also ensure that new development is healthier, more livable and better connected to streets and neighborhood amenities.

This project includes a focus on East Portland, fostering better new development that reflects the area’s distinct characteristics and residents' needs. The project is being coordinated with the Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Connected Centers Street Plan, which is focusing on new approaches for creating street connections in East Portland.

Outdoor spaces and green elements to support human and environmental health.

Building design and scale that contributes to pedestrian-friendly streets and relates to context.

East Portland standards and street connections that respond to the area’s distinct characteristics and needs.

Current and proposed Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Designation Names

Current Com Plan Name

Current Zone

New Comp Plan Name & Abbreviation

New Zone

Multi-Dwelling – 3,000Multi-Dwelling – 2,000

R3R2

Multi-Dwelling – Neighborhood (MD-N)

RM1 (Residential Multi-Dwelling 1)

Multi-Dwelling – 1,000

R1

Multi-Dwelling – Corridor (MD-C)

RM2 (Residential Multi-Dwelling 2)

High-Density Multi-Dwelling

RH

Multi-Dwelling – Urban Center (MD-U)

RM3 (Residential Multi-Dwelling 3)RM4 (Residential Multi-Dwelling 4)

Central Residential

RX

Central Residential (RX)

RX (Central Residential)

Comprehensive Plan designations, such as "Multi-Dwelling – Neighborhood," represent the long-term intended use for properties.

Zoning designations, such as "RM1," include specific rules for the type of development and the size of features of buildings that are allowed on a property. The multi-dwelling zones are intended for a wide variety of residential development, including multi-family buildings.